July 17, 2025 (Investigative Report) – Despite Sean “P. Diddy” Combs being convicted of two counts of transportation for prostitution, legal analysts suggest there’s still a credible path for him to walk free—either before or during his upcoming sentencing.
What Just Happened?
On July 2, 2025, a federal jury in Manhattan acquitted Combs of RICO and sex-trafficking charges—avoiding life sentences—but convicted him on the lesser Mann Act charges: transporting individuals for prostitution across state lines Judge Arun Subramanian denied bail, citing Combs’ violent history and potential flight risk; sentencing is set for October 3, 2025 .
Defense’s Argument for Release
Combs’ legal team immediately filed for bond release, proposing that he be allowed to await sentencing at his Florida residence, under strict conditions like passport surrender and ankle monitoring . At a July 2 hearing, defense attorney Marc Agnifilo rhetorically asked: “Is your proposal that Mr. Combs leave the courtroom and walk outside?” prompting Judge Subramanian to review prosecutor and defense letters before deciding
Why He Could Walk Free
Time Served & Guideline Range
With time already spent in custody (~10 months at MDC Brooklyn), Combs may receive credit for time served
Sentencing guidelines suggest 4–5 years, but defense argues for 2 years or less, meaning he’d likely be eligible for release on bond even after sentencing, pending appeal
Weakening Leverage as Sentencing Nears
As sentencing approaches (October 3), pressure mounts on prosecutors to re-evaluate continued detention, especially since the convictions aren’t violent felonies .
Pardon Potential – Though Remote
While former President Trump hasn’t ruled out a pardon, his wavering stance keeps this path unpredictable . However, a pardon could defeat long-run incarceration.
What to Watch Next
July Bail Motion Outcome
Judge Subramanian could set bond conditions or require special measures; some legal experts argue Combs meets release criteria if his financial and flight risks are mitigated.
Sentencing & Credit for Time Served
If Combs gets a sentence near the defense’s low-end guideline and gets credit for time served, he could walk out of jail shortly—or even immediately after sentencing
Appeals Process
His team plans to appeal both conviction and sentence. Depending on appellate timing, he might remain free on bail during proceedings—sometimes lasting years
Verdict: Still a Path to Freedom
Despite serious convictions, multiple legal strategies offer Combs a route out of custody:
Bail pending sentencing under supervised release.
Time-served credit significantly shrinking any future prison term.
Bond while appealing, which remains legally viable.
Remote pardon possibility.
The coming weeks will determine if Combs transitions from celebrity inmate to home on bond—but even conviction doesn’t guarantee time in the cell.